How are things looking for Electrical Engineers? [more inside]
posted by lekvar on Nov 13, 2009 - 13 answers

How badly have I fried my laptop? [more inside]
posted by Bobby Bittman on Nov 8, 2009 - 8 answers

The headlights on my 2004 Dodge Durango randomly blink out for a few seconds while I'm driving. As you can imagine, this is a bit unnerving, not to mention dangerous, on a dark road at night. It is not consistent. It may happen a few times one night, then not again for a week. I do not have the automatic headlight feature. It does not seem to be connected to using the brakes, or turn signals, or anything like that. It's not even connected to moving as it has happened while the truck is not in motion. The 2nd generation Durango's do not have a headlight relay, which was my first thought on a part to check. The lights are apparently digitally controlled. I took it into the dealer and of course, the damn lights wouldn't act up there and the on board computer is not reporting any error codes, so the dealer didn't do anything but overcharge me for an oil change and tire rotation. I'm worried the lights will go out for good at a very inopportune time, like on one of our two trips in the next month. Has anybody had this problem, or have a guess as to where I should be looking for the cause?
posted by COD on Oct 16, 2009 - 8 answers

Is it safe to swap the power adapter attachment between an iBook G4 and an intel MacBook? [more inside]
posted by ndicecco on Oct 14, 2009 - 4 answers

Where can I find a reference chart of the electrical characteristics of common electric guitar pick-ups? [more inside]
posted by mhjb on Oct 7, 2009 - 1 answer

Unpolarized cord used in a device that expects a polarized cord. Device no longer works. Doomed? [more inside]
posted by medpt on Sep 30, 2009 - 8 answers

Why won't my 99 chevy malibu start? [more inside]
posted by nadawi on Sep 27, 2009 - 10 answers

Basic wiring: can I put a clamp light on a dimmer? I want a cheap means of fading in and out lights for my makeshift light kit. The dimmer I bought only has one pair of wires, plus an extra red wire and a green ground. I want to send power in and out of the dimmer. Is this possible? Photos inside. [more inside]
posted by davidriley on Sep 16, 2009 - 6 answers

Fixing an old transistor organ: how do I fix these switches that seem to rely on the springiness of metal in order to make contact? [more inside]
posted by tmcw on Sep 7, 2009 - 5 answers

I found a radiogram on the street. There are two short wires out the back, both stripped about 1/4" bare, and no plug. With regard to polarity, does it matter how I attach a new lead and plug? I'm in the US and will be plugging it in to 110V. [more inside]
posted by carter on Aug 14, 2009 - 12 answers

I'm looking for recommendations for a power inverter for use in a car on a road trip. [more inside]
posted by tocts on Aug 13, 2009 - 5 answers

Say I have a three batteries (all 12V SLA of the same Ah capacity) wired in parallel to form a bank. I connect a dumb charging source (let's say 12V, 5A). How will the incoming charge be distributed amongst the three batteries, and what does it depend on? [more inside]
posted by gribbly on Jul 27, 2009 - 16 answers

My 2001 Toyota Corolla has spontaneously developed a problem: the front and rear fog lights never turn off, even when the key is out of the ignition. A good mechanic was recommended to me, but he won't be able to see me for several weeks. He warned me to expect to spend $200 minimum. Is there anything I can do in the meantime to try to solve this myself? [more inside]
posted by churl on Jul 24, 2009 - 21 answers

Replaced a 2-prong ungrounded electricl outlet with a 3-prong grounded one, but when testing the voltage, the hot-ground only shows 50v, while the hot-neutral shows 120v. Any advice to fix this? [more inside]
posted by jmg967 on Jul 14, 2009 - 24 answers

My sister and brother-in-law have a large (12) and growing number of desktop boxes at home. They're rightly concerned that they're putting a strain on the electrical circuits they're using. What should they be asking an electrician to do to set them up correctly? [more inside]
posted by skyscraper on Jul 11, 2009 - 10 answers

Calling all MeFi electricians: why does my light switch make a popping noise, and will it kill me? [more inside]
posted by feathermeat on Jul 1, 2009 - 12 answers

Where to find a three-pronged British style electrical adapter plug in New York City? [more inside]
posted by cookie googleman on Jun 25, 2009 - 13 answers

My electric oven's bottom element looks fine, but... [more inside]
posted by Decimask on May 31, 2009 - 12 answers

Most lamp switches require two clicks to turn on or off... why do they need 4 positions for only two states (on and off)? [more inside]
posted by frwagon on May 28, 2009 - 8 answers

Light bulbs with short life spans + older house = scary wiring problem? [more inside]
posted by GuffProof on May 23, 2009 - 17 answers

In my second year of first-time home ownership and husband and I are thinking we need to do a little spring cleaning around the house. Other than a minor plumbing issue in the bathroom we have had (knock on wood) zero problems with the house. In an effort to keep up this track record, what trouble spots should we look for in the house? How do you know if the roof is in good shape? What are typical home maintenance needs? [more inside]
posted by amanda on Apr 28, 2009 - 13 answers

ElectricalEngineeringFilter: How do I add electrical impedances together, and convert the result to what looks to be a phasor? [more inside]
posted by DMan on Apr 13, 2009 - 10 answers

Construction electrical: why is this service panel on sale at more than an 80% discount? [more inside]
posted by XMLicious on Mar 16, 2009 - 5 answers

What is going on with the headlights in my Dodge Neon? [more inside]
posted by longsleeves on Feb 6, 2009 - 8 answers

I'm looking for some ideas on the numerous weird electrical issues with my car. [more inside]
posted by kingbenny on Jan 23, 2009 - 8 answers

I'm trying to choose between bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. Other than jobs where you are actually "engineering" things, what jobs would each one be able to get? Also, I hear that engineering disciplines overlap in some ways. What are the similarities and differences between electrical and mechanical? Thank you.
posted by atm on Jan 4, 2009 - 14 answers

After the recent issues with running a gas generator for emergency power backup, I was going to make the plunge and purchase a propane generator. The question is, should I plan on having a couple propane appliances installed as well? [more inside]
posted by inthe80s on Dec 23, 2008 - 10 answers

I've tried two different generators, but still can't get my oil burning furnace to power up. Detail inside post [more inside]
posted by inthe80s on Dec 13, 2008 - 7 answers

How does the sewage and electrical systems work at an established station in Antarctica? [more inside]
posted by querty on Dec 8, 2008 - 11 answers

When my living room lights are off, touching the screws on the faceplate for the electrical switch gives me a tiny little frisson of electricity. When my living room lights are on, I get a fairly painful shock from touching the screws on the faceplate. How dangerous is this? [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne on Nov 9, 2008 - 23 answers

I need to convert a double 30 amp breaker that feeds a 240V dryer outlet into a subpanel for several 120 lines... [more inside]
posted by docpops on Oct 26, 2008 - 9 answers

Electrical engineering / voltage regulatorfilter: I'm searching for manufacturer or vendor sources on high quality, 220V to 240V automatic voltage regulators. This is for use with telecommunications/GSM/ISP equipment in the third world. Any other advice related to the subject will also be greatly appreciated. [more inside]
posted by thewalrus on Oct 10, 2008 - 1 answer

Help me design a tall skinny flat window box fan! [more inside]
posted by Aquaman on Oct 2, 2008 - 7 answers

i may have injured the electrical system on my motorcycle. [more inside]
posted by nihlton on Sep 19, 2008 - 9 answers

Dead battery--is there a problem with my car? [more inside]
posted by phoenixy on Sep 13, 2008 - 12 answers

What can cause a house's lights to dim and flash? [more inside]
posted by Nelson on Sep 8, 2008 - 7 answers

2002 Toyota Camry, 64K miles. No previous symptoms. After a long drive, I stopped two minutes, then tried to restart the car. Nothing. Electric systems got a little screwy: windows wouldn't go down, clock and radio stations reset, automatic shifter stuck, as did key (wouldn't come out of ignition). Strange. But then all that stuff started working again (100% ok), but car still wouldn't start. At this point, I'd get a metallic staccato sound, but no turning over. Jump start worked perfectly, car drove home perfectly (note: it was night at this point, and my headlights were on) EXCEPT when I flicked my brights for a sec. Mayhem ensued...car kept running, but laggy/weird, and speedometer went dead and random dashboard lights went on. After a few minutes, all returned to normal. I got home, parked, shut off car, and tried to restart (headlights off, of course). Nothing. Is this alternator? thanks!!!
posted by jimmyjimjim on Sep 4, 2008 - 20 answers

Greetings, Hive Mind. I need to know if I'm going to start a house fire. [more inside]
posted by optimuscrime on Aug 23, 2008 - 26 answers

Why won't my car start? [more inside]
posted by torpark on Aug 20, 2008 - 25 answers

What is causing the strange metallic "clank" sounds that appear to be coming from one of the junction boxes on my ceiling? [more inside]
posted by philmas on Aug 18, 2008 - 8 answers

Who runs physical plant security at utility companies?? Think: cell towers, eletrical utilities, water utlities, etc... any company that has remote locations... [more inside]
posted by dyerfr on Aug 18, 2008 - 4 answers

Electrician Filter: Please help me connect wires on old table saw motor. [more inside]
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium on Aug 13, 2008 - 15 answers

When I lock my car with the remote, approx every 1 in 5 times the drivers door doesn't lock. I hear the mechanism activate, but I can see that the little lock handle on the inside of the door only moves halfway. Similar thing happens on unlock. What's going on here and who can fix this - my regular mechanic wasn't able to help. [more inside]
posted by forallmankind on Aug 3, 2008 - 9 answers

Our Proctor Silex crock pot made an unexpected visit to the sink--not just the internal cooking bowl, which is made to be washed, but the electric heating dish, and we're trying to decide whether it's safe to use it again. [more inside]
posted by mrbula on Aug 2, 2008 - 10 answers

Identify this wall plate. [more inside]
posted by mr_crash_davis on Jul 16, 2008 - 9 answers

Home electrical problem/mystery: I accidentally plugged the phone charger into an outlet incorrectly and now that outlet and the dishwasher don't work. Help? [more inside]
posted by mundy on Jun 27, 2008 - 10 answers

Need help putting 3 ceiling fans on a single fan control switch. [more inside]
posted by frogmoses on Jun 22, 2008 - 7 answers

RemodelingKitchenFilter: What do you wish you had done to your kitchen when you had the chance? [more inside]
posted by birdlips on Jun 11, 2008 - 43 answers

I use a PDA (a Nokia N800) to listen to podcasts in my car. It downloads them overnight, which is wonderful. I keep it plugged into a cigarette-adapter charger, which it uses to detect the car being turned on or off (to automatically play or pause, so I don't have to fiddle with it). The problem is that the PDA's battery doesn't like the short charge cycles, and is now mostly dead. I have a plan to fix this, but it's ugly and I wanted to get more opinions... [more inside]
posted by jewzilla on May 20, 2008 - 8 answers

The side-by-side fridge in our rental (a GE tfx22zrs, tfx22jrs) has been failing to keep the refrigerator side cool (freezer side works fine). I think I have traced this down to some kind of lightbulb short -- the bulb heats up so much, so fast, I presume it is keeping the food from getting cool; possible fuse problem? Do fridges have user-serviceable fuses? Or is this a compressor problem and the lightbulb a red herring? [more inside]
posted by fishfucker on May 17, 2008 - 11 answers